TFAA History—Homecoming

Homecoming was originally held each year at Commencement, when new alumni were welcomed into the Alumni Association. New officers were appointed at that time and business of the organization was carried out. Wartime travel restrictions brought about a change in the 1940s, introducing a second Homecoming at Thanksgiving. Travel was limited due to gasoline rationing, and students were kept on campus for the holiday. If they were able to come, family and friends were invited to join the students on campus. The Toccoa Falls News reported a Homecoming being held at Thanksgiving in 1946, and again in 1949: “For a number of years it has been the custom at Toccoa Falls to have Homecoming exercises to which parents, guardians, and friends of the students are invited . . . to eat Georgia barbecue and Brunswick stew with all the trimmings. . . . There was also a very important meeting of the Alumni Association, a large number being present” (December 1949, Vl. 12, No. 4).

One of the earlier practices at Homecoming was an international day when alumni missionaries were recognized and reports were heard from their work on the field.

The practice of holding two Homecomings a year continued at least through 1962. By 1964, “Alumni Day” was celebrated only at Thanksgiving. In 1968 the menu changed from the traditional Georgia barbecue. In 1984, the Homecoming date was changed from Thanksgiving weekend to the second full weekend in October, a tradition that has continued to this day.


Learn more about Homecoming